STANDARD PROCEDURES FOR LECTORS

9. Proclaiming the Word:
1. Be prepared. Spend time during the week leading up to Mass looking over the reading you
have been assigned. Use the available web sites to get an understanding of the reading and
the historical context. This will help you proclaim the word as it was intended.
2. Break the reading down and decide where you may need to provide extra emphasis, perhaps
an extended pause, to allow the congregation to reflect on the reading.
3. Start strong and confidently. Memorize the introduction to the reading (e.g. “A reading from
the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians.”) Memorize the first line of the reading so that
you can begin the reading maintaining good eye contact with the congregation.
4. Read SLOWLY. People have a tendency to read too fast. Deliberately pause at natural
breaks in the reading to allow the congregation time to absorb the reading.
5. Your goal should be to proclaim the reading in such a way as to have the congregation listen
to you, rather than read along in their missals.
6. In the end, as Lectors we are not intended to be actors. Do not be overly dramatic in
proclaiming the reading as that can become distracting to the congregation.
Notes:
1. There are three cycles to the lectionary (A, B & C). These cycles are rotated each liturgical year. There are
some special times when the cycles are merged into only one cycle, for example during Lent (in conjunction
with RCIA in particular) and the Triduum (Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Holy Week). Be prepared to
receive special instructions for shared readings or additional readings during Christmas, Lent and Easter.
2. There are times when the readings are offered in a short and a long version. Check with the presiding Priest
before Mass begins to see if he wants you to use the short or long version of any reading. Also check with the
presider over questions on pronunciation or any other difficulties with the readings before Mass.
Please call or email LTC Dan McCarthy, MHT Lector Coordinator, with questions or concerns:
Daniel.McCarthy@usma.edu
Home: (845) 859-4200
Work: (845) 938-4893
Cell: (845) 857-8203